The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Advani's charge

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Friday, May 20, 2005

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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Advani's charge

L.K. Advani's warning to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh against depending on Left support (May 19) is amusing. As the leader of a party that has refused to cooperate in running Parliament for almost one year, his charge that the Left parties are obstructing growth is unethical.

Hari Bharathi,
Virudhunagar, T.N.

Viewed in the context of the Left's comments on the UPA Government's one-year rule, Mr. Advani's statement appears to be an attempt to drive a wedge between the two.

M. Somasekhar Prasad,
Badvel, A.P.

Is Mr. Advani's advice a reflection of a commonality of interest in economic policies or an outburst of an ageing politician? Mr. Advani would do well to remember that his way of making India shine was not approved by a majority of Indians and that is why the Left has come into prominence. The Left may be too noisy for an ally but has acted responsibly so far.

Manohar Alembath,
Chennai

Mr. Advani is right when he says the communist influence should be marginalised if India is to achieve "double-digit inclusive growth." He is also right in questioning the Left's willingness to endorse China's pursuit of economic reforms while advocating a different line for India.

But his charge that the UPA Government is constantly running down the NDA does not hold because he and his party have missed no opportunity to run down Dr. Singh — their description of him has ranged from "weakest Prime Minister" to "invisible."

S. Hemavathi,
Hyderabad

Mr. Advani's caution to Dr. Singh is food for thought. In the present coalition, parties with a handful of parliamentarians dictate the policies of the Government — a classic case of the tail wagging the dog. The BJP should offer to support the UPA Government, behaving at the same time as a responsible Opposition party, paving the way for a two-party system. It will help democracy mature and also marginalise the small and sundry parties.

Gowri Sankaran,
Chennai

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